This tour explores significant sites within the Sacred Valley near Cusco (approx. 3,400 m / 11,152 ft). The itinerary covers villages agricultural terraces and cultivated fields near the Vilcanota River. The climate is generally temperate. This region served as a key agricultural spiritual and political area for the Inca civilization.
The Sacred Valley contains numerous Inca and Pre-Inca sites. This specific tour expands on the classic visits to Pisac and Ollantaytambo by including the Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural laboratory. Participants will observe Inca craftsmanship architecture and the landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Understanding the region’s altitude is relevant for acclimatization particularly before trips to Machu Picchu or other high-altitude locations although the specific acclimatization benefits compared to staying in Cusco can vary.
SITE DESCRIPTIONS
CHINCHERO: Located 28 km from Cusco via paved road towards Urubamba. Features remains of Tupac Inca Yupanqui’s estate and a colonial church built on Inca foundations. Its primary draw for visitors is the artisan market originally a place for trade between valley and highland communities now offering handicrafts and textiles using traditional methods.
MORAY: Situated 7 km from Maras approximately 1 hour from Cusco via the Chinchero route. Known for its distinctive circular agricultural terraces of varying sizes interpreted as an Inca center for agricultural research.
MARAS – SALT MINES: Located northwest of Maras town. Comprises around 3000 small salt evaporation ponds. Salt extraction dates back to pre-Hispanic times using solar evaporation of saltwater from an underground spring. The salt is harvested once water evaporates.
URUBAMBA: An area historically significant for Inca agriculture particularly corn production. Today it’s known for its fruit cultivation and serves as the location for the tour’s buffet lunch.
OLLANTAYTAMBO: An Inca town located 21 km from Urubamba. Named after Chief Ollantay known from Inca-era narratives. It was an important Inca construction hub and strategic center (military agricultural religious). The fortress complex includes terraces large carved stones and defensive structures. Descendants of the Incas still inhabit some original structures in the town area.
PISAC: Located 33 km from Cusco. Includes an ancient archaeological site considered highly important and a modern town of colonial origin. Features a well-known handicraft market frequented by tourists and locals known for potentially offering lower prices than Cusco.
Pickup occurs at 7:00 AM from your hotel lobby. The first destination is Chinchero (approx. 3,762 m / 12,343 ft) known for the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat built in 1607 atop Tupac Yupanqui’s former palace Inca terraces and a local artisan market are also visited.
The tour proceeds to the town of Maras and the Moray agricultural site (approx. 3,500 m / 11,500 ft). Moray features circular terracing believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation potentially creating micro-climates for adapting various crops. Following Moray a visit is made to the nearby Maras salt mines “salineras” (approx. 3,000 m / 9,842 ft). These mines utilize traditional salt evaporation methods from a subterranean stream and continue to be worked by local residents.
Transportation continues to Urubamba (approx. 2,871 m / 9,419 ft) for a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine. In the afternoon the Ollantaytambo Fortress (approx. 2,792 m / 9,160 ft) is explored. This site functioned as a strategic military agricultural and religious center for the Incas controlling the Sacred Valley. Evidence includes structures presumed to be for storage and defense such as walls and watchtowers. The site features superimposed terraces and large finely carved stone blocks on the upper level.
The final stop is Pisac (town altitude approx. 2,972 m / 9,751 ft). The archaeological complex here demonstrates advanced Inca architectural knowledge. Studies suggest it may have been a royal estate for Inca Pachacutec rather than solely a fortress containing terraces domestic structures ceremonial areas and aqueducts for agriculture. Pisac also hosts a notable artisan market offering various handicrafts. After visiting Pisac the tour concludes with a return transfer to your hotel.
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